A recent TNC publication, Beyond the Source, revealed over 2,000 cities globally could benefit from source water protection. Responding to this need, The Nature Conservancy is setting high ambitions to establish 400 Water Funds by 2025. To dramatically increase the annual rate in which water funds are established while not risking reduction in quality, changes will need to be made in the current Water Fund business model.
Over the next 18 – 24 months, The Nature Conservancy will pilot changes to the business model while establishing new water funds through what is known as the Accelerator. Changes are primarily focused on increasing local partner capacity to develop water funds while maintaining quality control with TNC oversight and breaking silos in traditional team structures. The Project Manager will be responsible for the overall administration of approximately five pilot Water Funds. The Project Manager will report to the Latin America General Regional Manager and System Innovation Director with a dotted line to the Latin America Water Security Manager.
The Project Manager assures maximum quality of work in all pilot water funds. He/She writes the requests for proposals/contracts and, with the support of a diversified, cross-boundary business unit team, validates all deliverables are met according to the desired state criteria framework. He/She will ensure that products are delivered on time according to the work plans established. The Project Manager works with the WF Network Manager and WF Toolbox Manager to facilitate on-line and in-person training, develop and make new training material available, and improve the toolbox curriculum based on observations and experiences with the pilots. He/She will play an important knowledge management role, helping to identify and recommends where further adjustments can be made to the business model as well as monitoring the success of the pilot. He/She may also provide TNC communications, marketing and philanthropy staff with content related to the pilot’s progress.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Oversee operations of Accelerator Program pilot projects and ensure effective communication between project members
- Coordinate the work of cross-functional, cross-divisional teams towards a desired outcome
- Geographic size and scope is that of a larger, complex business unit and/or a program that requires cross-boundary work and relationships.
- Establishes and maintains optimal performance standards within budget and timelines.
- Writes requests for proposal (RFPs) for grant/contract funding for program.
- Frequently makes independently strategic decision based on analysis, ambiguous information and context.
- Frequent travel domestically and/or internationally, evening and weekend hours.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Written and oral fluency in Spanish and English
- 7 years’ experience in conservation practice or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience managing complex or multiple projects, including managing finances and coordinating the work of other professionals and partners.
- Supervisory experience, including motivating, leading, setting objectives and managing performance.
- Experience in partnership development with non-profit partners, corporate partners, community groups and/or government agencies.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Intimate knowledge of the Water Funds project cycle and experience in establishing previous Water Funds
- Demonstrative experience in teaching others watershed conservation practices
- Experience managing project teams located remotely, and working with cross-functional staff
- Fundraising experience, including identifying donor prospects and donor cultivation
- Multi-lingual and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated, experience working in several countries preferred.
- 7-10 years’ experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Demonstrated experience influencing, developing and implementing conservation policy and plans.
- Knowledge of current trends and practices in relevant discipline(s) and regions.
- Ability to develop practical applications of scientific concepts and technical innovations for conservation purposes.
- Knowledge of methods and standards of ecosystem services, biodiversity information systems and initiatives or related field.
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.